The school’s aims are:
- To create a caring learning environment in which the uniqueness and individual worth of each member is recognised and developed, as an expression of the love of God and as a witness to our Christian faith;
- To enable each pupil to achieve their full potential in preparation for their future, by stimulating their sense of curiosity and excitement about the world;
- To build and promote Christian values, encouraging children to develop relationships which reflect love, forgiveness and respect for others;
- To encourage links between the school, home, our parishes and the wider community;
- To place collective worship as a shared experience at the centre of the school’s daily life;
- To strive for the highest standards of achievement in all areas of school life.
About this guidance
The guidance here is intended to give families general information regarding the ways in which we support our pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN) to reach their potential. The strategies, resources and support explained are continually developed and our provision modified to meet the changing requirements of individual pupils. We firmly believe that every child is unique as stated in our mission statement and therefore will receive provision and support to reflect their individual needs to the best of our ability.
When children are identified as having SEN, we use individual education plans (IEPs) and resources to help support their development, address areas of concern and speed up progress. Mrs Massey acts as the School's SENCo and has an SEN Governor. The staff team have a diverse range of skills and training and all will work to enhance and improve the outcomes for all children with a special educational need, disability, medical need or a combination of all three.
Other useful documents and links to external websites are available on the school website. If you would like further information about what Archbishop Runcie C of E VA First School can offer, then please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Massey directly on: 0191 2852663 or e-mail: admin@archbishop.newcastle.sch.uk.
Local Offer
A duty in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Code of Practice has been placed on Local Authorities from September 2014 and this is being referred to as the ‘Local Offer’. This means that Local authorities must publish, in one place, information about provision they expect to be available in their area for children and young people from 0 to 25 who have special Educational Needs and/ or Disabilities.
The local offer must include both local provision and provision outside the area that the local authority expects is likely to be used by children and young people with special Educational Needs and/ or Disabilities for whom they are responsible.
The local offer has two key purposes:
- To provide clear, comprehensive and accessible information about the support and opportunities available.
- To make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving children and young people with SEND, parents and carers, and service providers.
The local offer forms a significant part of the new SEN Code of Practice and focuses on statutory duties for local authorities. The local offer is what goes on every day to support children and young people with SEN and how we ensure quality around this. This includes what we expect to be available in schools, colleges and other educational provision.
This Statement sets out, the responsibilities of the school, Governors and the Local Authority for meeting the needs of pupils and their parents/ carers who have been identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
By law, the Local Authority has to publish the arrangements for children with special Educational Needs and/ or Disabilities and further details are available in the Local Authority Local Offer. All schools receive funding in their budget to allow them to provide for pupils with SEN, and have the freedom to make the necessary arrangements using existing staff, or look for advice and support from outside the school. When a child has special needs, the school and its Governing body is required to fulfill the requirements set out in the Children and Families Bill 2014.
The school has systems in place which make it possible to offer a flexible range of provision which is able to meet the individual needs of every one of our pupils.